Kathrine Frich
Swiss police have confirmed they are “aware of the incident”
Swiss police have confirmed they are “aware of the incident”
The Israeli public broadcaster Kan has filed an official complaint with Swiss authorities after members of its delegation were allegedly harassed during the opening ceremony of Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland.
The incident shows rising political tensions around Israel’s participation in the contest.
Threatening Gesture and Spitting Allegations
During Sunday’s opening parade, a protester reportedly made a throat-slitting gesture and spat at Israeli singer Yuval Raphael and other delegation members.
The suspect, who wore a keffiyeh and carried a Palestinian flag, was captured on video along the parade route, according to Kan.
Protesters Line the Streets With Gaza War Slogans
Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and held signs reading “We don’t applaud genocide” and “We sing while Gaza burns.”
Some used megaphones to call out against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The protest remained mostly peaceful, but moments of confrontation were reported.
Survivor Story Adds Emotional Weight
Israel’s 2025 Eurovision entrant, Yuval Raphael, is a survivor of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on a music festival in Israel.
She reportedly hid under bodies to avoid being killed.
The alleged harassment during the parade has reignited debates over whether her participation puts her and others at heightened risk.
EBU and Swiss Police Under Pressure
Kan has asked the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to help identify the individual responsible and ensure accountability.
Swiss police have confirmed they are “aware of the incident” and will forward a report to relevant authorities, though no formal charges have been announced yet.
High Security and Mass Arrests in Basel
More than 1,300 police officers are deployed in Basel during Eurovision week.
Swiss authorities reported arresting about 150 people over the weekend to prevent disruptions, and say Sunday’s parade “proceeded without major incidents,” despite protests.
Growing Calls to Exclude Israel From Eurovision
The incident comes after over 70 former Eurovision contestants signed a petition calling for Israel’s exclusion from the contest due to its actions in Gaza.
While the EBU has resisted those calls, backlash around Israel’s participation continues to intensify both online and on the streets.
